THE ILLUSIONIST

Why is the greatest painter of his age fleeing the Pope's decree? Why is he accused of murder? Why do his friends stand by him? Why does the Pope himself secretly want to pardon him if he will only return to Rome and repent? Why, in his short life, has he caused such mayhem? Perhaps it is because he is Caravaggio, lover and beloved, the master of light and darkness who knows he eclipses all others. Why is he mourned so? Perhaps this journal, written by his inamorato Cecco Buoneri, will reveal it. It is for you to judge, but not harshly. No, not harshly.